Multicultural Festival

March 25, 2009 -

Storytelling, musical performances and children’s activities all will be part of an upcoming festival designed to bring the cultures of the world to Redlands.

The 19th annual Living on Common Ground Multicultural Festival will be held March 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the Quad at the University of Redlands. Admission to the festival, which is open to the public, is free.

The multicultural festival, which was originally started as a Johnston Center senior project, has become a popular university tradition.

Performers include a South Asian dance group, Aztec dancers, a gypsy folk ensemble, an Aztec storyteller, a ballet folklorico group, boot dancers, an African gospel choir and the University of Redlands African drumming ensemble

A large children’s corner will feature rock climbing, bounce houses, a magician, face painting, games, storytelling and crafts. Students from an undergraduate business class also will guide children in a "Travel Around the World" activity.

Craft and food vendors, as well as informational booths, also are planned.

Leela MadhavaRau, associate dean for campus diversity and inclusion, said one of the key goals of the festival is to bring together people from across the community.

"The multicultural festival is one of the university’s largest celebrations of diversity," she said. "It’s a day when students, faculty, staff and members of the local community mingle and find common ground listening to music and watching talented performers."

MahavaRau said she also likes the idea of bringing an international experience to Redlands.

"We may not always be able to travel around the world," she said. "But the multicultural festival gives you a sense of global culture within the context of the University of Redlands."